Doc Kreis: The Football Coaches Guide to Strength Training - Part I

Doc Kreis' strength training program is comprised of four components: absolute strength, explosive strength, starting strength and reaction strength. A major belief is to pull from the weakest places when building a program. The first phase of strength training deals specifically with ligaments and tendons. Components of the lifting program include power clean, back squat, three quarter squat, squat on toes, bench press and bench press 16." A key development in squatting is to use the 9-foot bar instead of the 7-foot bar. The bench press is an exercise that depends on form and technique. The width of the feet on the squat and bench must be emphasized. Coach Kreis's running program is another key element to his overall strength training. After the warm-up, the sprint, carioca, shuffle and the back pedal complete the running program. By sharing a linebacker specific program, Kreis details all of the lifts for a typical Week 1, Day 1 workout.